A tale of two "cultures": HIV risk narratives in South Africa
Saethre, E.; Stadler, J.
Medical Anthropology 28(3): 268-284
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-9740 PMID: 20182965 DOI: 10.1080/01459740903073414Document Number: 213134
There has been a tendency for many researchers and health professionals examining HIV transmission in South Africa to focus on explanations that specifically implicate culture as a primary vector affecting the prevalence of high-risk sexual behavior, such as multiple partners, unprotected sex, and dry sex. In contrast, the residents of Orange Farm, a former informal settlement south of Soweto, portray culture as seldom, if ever, motivating actions that are associated with HIV transmission or prevention in the community. Comparing and contrasting these differing conceptions, we comment critically on the use of ideas regarding culture in explanations addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa.